Interview with Belle Winkworth Jones, heroine of HOSTAGE TO LOVE

Interviewer: From reading the blurb of your story, it looks like your plans to volunteer as a charity worker in Nawaka, Africa, turned into a little bit more of an adventure than you anticipated.

Belle: Yes, it did, much to my surprise. I attracted the unwanted attentions of a rebel leader. Go me! Seriously though, it was quite a scary time.

Interviewer: I bet it was. Was there anything in particular that attracted you to this spine-chiller?

Belle: I think his primary reason for kidnapping me was for ransom. My estranged husband, Nick Andreakos is a Greek shipping billionaire, so I guess I was a juicy prospect for a rebel leader looking to fund his army.

Interviewer: Estranged, you say? How come?

Belle: *gives a sad laugh* Where do I start? Nick has a few control issues that made our marriage very, umm, trying. When it seemed like there was no ready solution to our problems, I walked out.

Interviewer: But now you’re back here, on Althea, yours and Nick’s private island, where I believe you spent your honeymoon? Have things changed?

Belle: Nick rescued me from Nawaka and Charles Mwana but personally, we’re trying to work things out, find the right compromise that works for both of us. I can’t return to England because the paparazzi will be all over me. It’s private here on Althea, and also saver.

Interviewer: You’re working through your issues. That’s great. But Mwana’s still out there. Do you think he stands in the way of your happiness?

Belle: He’s still a threat, certainly. And he’s certainly not to be underestimated. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that Nick is also not to be underestimated. He’s determined, he’s strong, and come hell or high water, he always gets what he wants.

Interviewer: Is that how Nick got you to marry him in the first place?

Belle: He certainly knows how to turn on the charm, plus he’s drop dead gorgeous, and he’s not bad in the sack either.

Interviewer: Whew! *fans self* I believe you. So what happens now?

Belle: Nick and I intend to track down this madman and put him away for good. Then we will work on our marriage. I believe what we have is worth saving, and I don’t intend to give up until I have what I want, which is a loving husband who isn’t afraid to let me in and who meets me on equal terms.